Ratna Roy, Ph.D.

In addition to teaching dance in the Expressive Arts department of The Evergreen State College, Dr. Roy also teaches literature (American
and Asian). She received her Ph.D. in English from the University of
Oregon, Eugene in 1972.

At Evergreen she was instrumental in instituting
a highly popular one-quarter undergraduate full-time (16 credit) course
in Dance Ethnology. Dr. Roy, who has chosen Orissi, or Odissi, as her
medium, is one of a rare breed of dance performers who are also research
scholars. Her research in dance have been centered on "Dance Education,"
"Self-Empowerment Through Connection with the Body," "Dance
as a Healing Process," "Storytelling Through Dance,"
"Dance as a Political Voice," and "Dance Choreography
in the 21st Century." She is at present completing her second book
on Orissi dance.

Her many years of research and writing on the subject
of dance have enhanced her understanding of dance as an art form and
means of expression, which has greatly influenced her approach to performance.
It has also increased her already great love and appreciation of all
forms of Classical Indian Dance, and Orissi Dance and Oriya culture
in particular.

Dr. Roy. wears many hats. Learning Classical Indian dance
since the age of four, she has been performing on stage for almost as
long, her love of learning extended beyond dance. While working on her
Ph.D. in English Literature, she brought two beautiful children into
the world, and raised them while teaching college.